Since I was a young girl, for over 15 years, I had my hair chemically treated. Lonnice's book not only gave me the inspiration and courage that I needed to go all natural, but the pictures, hair styling tips and countless stories in the book made me realize that I *could* do it (even though I'd never done it before and even though I am a lawyer for a large corporation in a major metropolitan city). I found "Plaited Glory..." while I was trying to grow out my hair. I had wanted natural hair for a while, but my stylist kept insisting, "Trust me, you have to at least soften the curl -- I'll just relax it a little bit." I finally decided to take a break from my stylist, braid my hair and just wait until I figured out what to do. After almost a year of waiting and growing, I found Lonnice's book; shortly thereafter, (and thanks to this book!) I found the courage to take out my braids and cut off almost 10" of permed hair. I now have short, single-strand twists! I *love* my hair. I don't miss my extensions and I don't miss my damaged, permed ends at all. This book gave me the courage to finally do what I had wanted to do for years - go all natural - and look great (and professional!) doing it.